Garfield had met his future wife, Lucretia Rudolph, while they were both students at the Geauga Academy; they both then attended the Eclectic Institute. In fact, Lucretia — or “Crete” — was Garfield's student in 1853, the year they began dating. They carried on a long-distance courtship, marked by many years of correspondence. The pair was finally married on November 11, 1858. Together, the Garfields had four sons and one daughter live to maturity: Harry Augustus, James Rudolph, Mary, Irvin McDowell, and Abram. Harry and James both entered public service. Harry was the president of Williams College before being appointed by President Woodrow Wilson to work with the U.S. Food Administration during World War I. He received a distinguished service medal in 1921 for his work. James served as President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of the interior.

Reluctant First Lady

Lucretia was very intelligent and enjoyed literary pursuits. At the same time, she did not feel at home in social situations. When he was elected to be president, she saw her role as a “terrible responsibility.” Lucretia understood her role as first lady, holding receptions and performing her duties at state functions as required.

As first lady, Lucretia spoke with her husband often about political issues and even spoke with the press. She did not bow to political pressures. For example, when the temperance groups tried to get her to continue with Lucy Hayes's banning of alcohol at the White House, she would not agree.

Lucretia contracted malaria and fell seriously ill during her time as first lady. She was still convalescing away from Garfield and the White House when her husband was shot. After her husband's untimely death, Lucretia lived on until March 14, 1918, all the while making sure to preserve correspondence and other papers from her husband's career.